Periodontic Dentistry Based in North Kingstown, Rhode Island

Wickford Dental Associates, based in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, is a family dental practice that provides  periodontal services. Periodontal treatment is necessary when various conditions affect the health of your gums and the regions of your jawbone that hold your teeth in place.

Your Gums
Retaining your teeth is directly dependent on proper periodontal care and maintenance. Healthy gums enhance the appearance of your teeth, like a frame around a beautiful painting.

When your gums become unhealthy, they can either recede or become swollen and red. In later stages, the supporting bone is destroyed and your teeth will shift, loosen, or fall out. These changes not only affect your ability to chew and speak, they also spoil your smile, most important they affect you roverall health.

Diseased Gums
Periodontal disease damages the teeth, gum, and jawbones of more than 80% of Americans by the age of 45. The gums, as well as your teeth, are examined on a regular basis. 

Non-Surgical Techniques
Often, in the early stages of periodontal disease, non-surgical therapies are used. The initial treatment stage is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gum line. Tooth roots may also be planed to smooth the root surface, allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth.

Antibiotics and/or irrigation with special mouth rinses may be prescribed to help control bacteria. In some cases, antibiotic fibers may be placed in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planning to control infection and encourage normal healing. Other non-surgical techniques may be recommended. Our dentists will be happy to discuss them with you.

Restoration Dentristy: TMJ Disorders
TMJ stands for "temporomandibular joints" and also refers to a number of ailments that had not been officially determined. They are often associated with the grinding and clenching of teeth, particular at night, when the sufferer is unaware of this grinding and clenching.

TMJ Symptoms
Symptoms include stiff jaws, tired jaws muscles, difficulties in widely opening a mouth, and sensitivity to cold drinks. Night time teeth grinding - a medical condition called "bruxism" - can result in more than discomfort. It can wear away tooth enamel to such an extent that teeth are ultimately destroyed.

Nightguards
Wickford Dental Associates has found that custom-fitted nightguards are an extremely effective way of treating this condition. Easy to insert and remove, having one custom-made for you may be the smartest move you can make to protect your teeth.

Wickford Dental Associates has two different types of nightguards. To find out which nightguard fits you best, call our office today to get more information. (401) 295- 8806/(401) 789-9718.

Ensure you look and feel your best by contacting us today in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, for more information about our peridontic therapy.

Maintenance
The Importance of Regular Exams

Serious conditions begin as treatable problems

Plaque, which is sticky film of bacteria and food that forms constantly on your teeth, can harden in as little as 24 hours to become tartar. Even with proper brushing and flossing, most people aren't able to remove all the plaque every day. The result is tartar build-up.

Plaque and tartar build-up are the main cause of gingivitis. Gingivities is reversible, but if untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease, which is an infection that causes receding gums, bone loss and sometimes tooth loss.

The bacteria in plaque also causes tooth decay. A small cavity can easily be fixed, but if it grows into the softer inner dentin layer of the tooth, it can reach the pulp chamber very quickly, causing pain and further infection.

Failed fillings will also lead to more decay. Unless it's treated early, decay will most likely lead to a need for root canal treatment and crowns.

Misaligned or missing teeth can contribute to problems with jaw joint, such as pain and soreness, difficulty in opening and closing your mouth, and ear aches.

Regular Checkups Allow Us to Treat Problems Early

To keep these dental problems from becoming serious, we recommend twice yearly check-ups. Regular cleanings enable us to keep tartar from accumulating on your teeth. During your regular visits, we will also perform a thorough exam to check your gums, measure the bone levels around your teeth, look for cavities, check your restorations, examine your bite, and screen for oral cancer.